When you break down the Atlanta Braves lineup, it’s clear they’re not just stacking talent; they’re stacking talent efficiently.
The numbers don’t lie: the Braves’ “preferred” lineup, even with star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. sidelined early on, costs just a smidge more than Juan Soto’s eye-popping $765 million deal with the Mets.
That’s right—one player’s mega-contract is nearly the equivalent of an entire lineup that could arguably be the best in baseball.
A Star-Studded Lineup on a Budget For the Braves
Let’s break it down. Atlanta’s core players—Sean Murphy ($73M), Matt Olson ($168M), Ozzie Albies ($35M), Austin Riley ($212M), Orlando Arcia ($7.3M), Jurickson Profar ($42M), Michael Harris II ($72M), Acuña Jr. ($100M), and Marcell Ozuna ($65M)—add up to $775.3M.
That’s a mere $10M difference from Soto’s monster deal with the Mets. For those keeping score at home, that’s a whole lot of bang for the Braves’ buck.
The Secret to Atlanta’s Success: Locking Up Talent Early
Some critics might point at these figures and say the Braves are cheap. But, it’s not about pinching pennies; it’s about playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.
Atlanta has mastered the art of locking up their stars early, securing them with team-friendly deals before they reach free agency.
Just look at Austin Riley and Michael Harris II—both inked long-term contracts well before their primes, giving the Braves incredible value without the headache of negotiating in the chaos of free agency.
They even did the same on the mound, securing Spencer Strider to a favorable pre-arbitration deal.
A New Season, a Fresh Shot at October
And don’t forget the resilience this team showed last year. Injuries to Acuña Jr., Albies, Riley, Strider, and Chris Sale made the road bumpy, but the Braves still clawed their way into the postseason.
Sure, the Padres knocked them out in the Wild Card round, but this team is hungry—and healthy—heading into 2025.
With spring training just a few weeks away and Opening Day set for March 27, the Braves are looking primed to make another deep postseason run.
While Juan Soto might have a contract that turns heads, but the Braves quietly prove you don’t need to break the bank to build a powerhouse. They’re just playing smarter, and the results speak for themselves.
